The City of Milwaukee Health Department confirmed a case of mumps at Marquette University.

Health officials said the student was linked to an earlier case of mumps identified in another Marquette student in September.

Advertisement

The health department said mumps is a viral respiratory disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets, including through sneezing and coughing. The department said its symptoms include fever, headache and muscle pain followed by swelling of the salivary glands around the cheek and jaw area.

Health officials urge students and residents to be cautious because people with mumps can be contagious before they have any symptoms, as well as during the time that they have symptoms.

Vaccination with two doses of Mumps-Measles-Rubella vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps infection, officials said.

The health department said it is working with the Marquette University Student Health Service on the followup investigation.